U.S. Polymer Prices Climb

1:52 PM MST | December 3, 2009

It took longer than expected, but North American spot polyolefin prices finally rose to close the gap with European prices over the second half of November, traders say. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) spot gained about $100/m.t., while high-density pe added about $50/m.t. and polyproplylene (PP), already a bit stronger, rose about $30/m.t. In contrast, buyers say they were able to roll back November contract prices, with PE lower by 5 cts/lb, PP off by 3 cts/lb, and polystyrene (PS) down by 7 cts/lb. Producers had been seeking increases of 4-5 cts/lb for...